Apparel Textile Sourcing expands to European market

What started as a trade show in Toronto in 2016 has become the fastest growing fashion industry sourcing trade show organiser in the world. Apparel Textile Sourcing (ATS) expanded to Miami in 2017, filling a void for the industry focused on Latin America manufacturing. ATS events have now been called key a destination by sourcing professionals and buyers throughout the apparel supply chain.

The event now brings its world-class seminar series and hand-selected exhibitors to the European market for the launch of Apparel Textile Sourcing Germany (ATSG) at the Estrel Convention Center in Berlin, from 11-13 September.

“While finding factories is a primary reason retailers and brands attend sourcing shows, ATS trade shows also bring leading industry professionals, trade commissioners and government officials together into an open forum to interact with those shaping the current and future trade ecosystems in the apparel industry. Our matchmaking platforms have been very helpful to both brands and retailers as well as our manufacturers. European brands and retailers can now become involved in the ATS experience,” said founder and CEO Jason Prescott.

Addressing major challenges

“The foundation of trade shows continues to evolve and ATS has led the way in steering progressive change in the industry. While many shows for sourcing and retail have become too large, predictable and lacking energy, ATS events have offered contrast and focus,” commented Jeff Streader, Managing Director of Go Global Retail and former executive with VF, Guess?, Billabong and American Apparel.

“ATS efficiently showcases both Asian and regional vendors, in a setting that focuses on product development while addressing the major challenges in global sourcing. In addition, ATS has successfully delivered a seminar series that is blended into each day of the trade show. The seminars address key issues in the industry ranging from trade agreements, tariffs, AI and machine learning and innovation in product development. I am confident that this same formula will result in an exciting show – ATSG – in Berlin this September.”

German fashion market

As the apparel industry becomes further homogenised with retailers developing private labels – orders getting smaller, but with more seasons – microbrands becoming the norm – factories starting their own brands – eCommerce encroaching upon B2B in addition to B2C – professionals across the industry need to be nimble and aware of ways to refine their supply chain, many times at a moment’s notice.

“The core role the IAF plays in the apparel industry is to bring together executives from all levels of the supply chain in order to strengthen how both the private and public sectors interact in order to streamline domestic and international sourcing. What ATS has done for the Americas, will now be available to German and European buyers at large. We look forward to assisting both the exhibitors and attendees of ATSG to leverage the IAF network during the show in September,” explained Matthijs Crietee, Secretary General of the International Apparel Federation (IAF).

Berlin is a hub for design, retail, fashion, and many other creative sectors. With numerous other events from the Premium Group, privately held fashion shows, and technology conferences; the city was nominated for the event as the area has the most influence on the apparel and textile market in the region.

Under one roof

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to connect with more than 200 manufacturers from Europe, Asia and Latin America.

“European brands and retailers who visit the show will have the ability to meet exhibitors with numerous capabilities and finishing techniques. We will host a Made in China pavilion that will provide visitors a balance of mass market manufacturers that can service larger programs, along with factories that service brands or retailers who have smaller programmes. As the consumer market has changed, so have many of the factories throughout China in order to accommodate the shift,” commented Chairman Cao of the China Chamber of Commerce for the Import and Export of Apparel and Textiles (CCCT).